Susan Mings

About Susan Mings

In my most recent position as a Senior UX Researcher at Microsoft, I led the growth and development of UX research practices across the Identity Division for over 8 years. This included managing the budget, project plans, schedules, and vendors for our research initiatives, ensuring that we deliver high-quality insights and recommendations to our stakeholders. I managed several UX Research vendors in this position, and in previous roles I have managed Full-Time Employees and vendors in dispersed US and international geos. In my 27-year Microsoft tenure, I have extensive experience in conducting investigations and synthesizing insights across multiple user types, including IT Pros, Information Workers, Consumers, and Front-Line Workers. I use various research methods, such as in-depth interviews, iterative lab studies, focus groups, surveys, UX benchmarks, competitive UX scorecards, and Quick Pulse studies. I also develop and deliver workshops, training, and mentoring to scale UX-research efforts across disciplines and into new forums. I aim to create user-centered design solutions that enhance the security and usability of Microsoft\'s products and services. I also have experience in academia (adjunct teaching graduate courses), public-sector organizations, and private financial institutions.

Experience

1. Senior Design Research Lead, Identity & Network Access (Idna) Division

   Microsoft

   Oct 2016 — Present · Redmond, WA, US

Education

• North Seattle Community College

  AIS

• Washington State University

  MA

• Carroll College

  BA

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  PhD